And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the land division wasn't just a geographical mapping; it was a solemn act performed "before the LORD our God." This means the casting of lots was understood as God Himself assigning their portions, ensuring each tribe would embrace their inheritance as divinely ordained, rather than based on preference or conquest.
And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
With most of the Promised Land conquered but not yet fully divided, Joshua addresses the remaining seven tribes who haven't received their inheritance. He urges them to stop delaying their possession of God's gifts and outlines the process: men will survey the land and describe it in seven parts, which Joshua will then use to cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, ensuring God's guidance in the final distribution.
Imagine finally securing a massive piece of property, but instead of moving in, you meticulously map out every corner before claiming your spot. That's the Israelites' situation here.
After years of intense warfare and incredible victories, the Israelites had subdued the land. Yet, a significant portion remained undivided among seven tribes.
Joshua calls for a deliberate pause. Instead of immediate occupation or further conquest, the focus shifts to precise surveying and description. This wasn't about laziness or indecision; it was a crucial step to ensure a fair distribution.
A Purposeful Pause
Why involve God in drawing straws? This wasn't just a random draw; it was a sacred act rooted in deep trust and divine acknowledgment.
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The core of this passage is the casting of lots 'before the LORD our God.' This phrase is packed with meaning.
Divine Authority in Division
Understand the original words
goral · Hebrew Noun
A ritual method used in the Old Testament to determine the will of God in making decisions, resolving disputes, or apportioning land. It implies that the outcome is directed by the LORD rather than by chance.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the land of Canaan promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies the place where God’s people live under His rule and experience His provision.
This moment highlights the careful, methodical process God ordained for dividing the Promised Land. It underscores that even after conquest, divine guidance through surveying and lot-casting was essential for a just and peaceful inheritance, ensuring each tribe could settle with confidence and contentment before the Lord.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan completed
Following years of warfare, Joshua and the Israelites successfully conquered the majority of Canaanite territories, fulfilling God's promise.
c. 1400 BC
Tabernacle established at Shiloh
The central sanctuary for Israelite worship was set up in Shiloh, a strategically central location. This marked a shift from a nomadic to a more settled phase of Israelite life.
c. 1400 BC
Initial land distribution begins
The tribes of Judah and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) received their initial inheritances by lot, but the process was interrupted.
c. 1400 BC
Delay in land distribution
Seven tribes had not yet received their inheritances, possibly due to lingering resistance from Canaanites, complacency among the Israelites, or a need for further survey.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Joshua commissions land surveyors
Joshua instructs three men from each of the remaining seven tribes to survey the land, dividing it into seven portions.
c. 1400 BC
Surveyors map the land
The appointed men meticulously described the land, likely noting cities and boundaries, and brought their written report back to Joshua in Shiloh.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua casts lots for remaining tribes
In Shiloh, before the Tabernacle, Joshua casts lots for the remaining seven tribes, officially assigning their inheritances.
This proverb speaks to the practice of casting lots to discern God's will, highlighting that even after human efforts and planning, the final outcome is ultimately directed by the Lord. It echoes the sense of divine oversight in Joshua's division of the land.
Numbers 26:52-56This passage describes God's command to divide the land by lot based on the census numbers of each tribe, establishing the principle of lot-casting for inheritance allocation. It shows the divine precedent for the process Joshua is undertaking.
1 Samuel 14:41-42Here, Saul and Jonathan use the lot to discover who had sinned, illustrating its use not just for inheritance but for discerning guilt or making difficult decisions. This shows the gravity and sacredness with which the Israelites viewed the casting of lots.
Acts 1:26In the New Testament, the apostles cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas, demonstrating that the practice of seeking God's direction through the lot continued even into the early church. This highlights the enduring principle of divine guidance in significant choices.
calvinJoshua 18:1-10: "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them."
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
Tradite ex vobis tres viros per tribum, quos mittam: surgentque et ambulabunt per terram, descr…
bensonJoshua 18:6: "Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God."
Joshua 18:6 . That I may cast lots for you here before the Lord — That is, before the ark or tabernacle, that God may be witness and judge, and be acknowledged to be the author of the division, and each tribe may be contented with its lot, as being appointed by divine authority, and that your several possessions may be secured t…
This verse highlights that the land division wasn't just a geographical mapping; it was a solemn act performed "before the LORD our God." This means the casting of lots was understood as God Himself assigning their portions, ensuring each tribe would embrace their inheritance as divinely ordained, rather than based on preference or conquest.
With most of the Promised Land conquered but not yet fully divided, Joshua addresses the remaining seven tribes who haven't received their inheritance. He urges them to stop delaying their possession of God's gifts and outlines the process: men will survey the land and describe it in seven parts, which Joshua will then use to cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, ensuring God's guidance in the final distribution.
With most of the Promised Land conquered but not yet fully divided, Joshua addresses the remaining seven tribes who haven't received their inheritance. He urges them to stop delaying their possession of God's gifts and outlines the process: men will survey the land and describe it in seven parts, which Joshua will then use to cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, ensuring God's guidance in the final distribution.
"And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God." — This verse highlights that the land division wasn't just a geographical mapping; it was a solemn act performed "before the LORD our God." This means the casting of lots was understood as God Himself…
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Last reviewed October 2026